A COUNCILLOR is calling for action to deter dangerous drivers on a busy road before a serious accident happens.

Castle Point councillor Steven Cole is calling on Essex County Council to provide barriers in Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, to stop impatient drivers from mounting the kerb. The campaign comes after residents raised their concerns to Mr Cole, who believes action needs to be taken.

He said: “I have had residents contact me, including one who said he had a driver swearing at him as he mounted the kerb.

“The issue is that traffic is queuing in Rushbottom Lane due to those who want to turn right onto London Road and impatient drivers behind the waiting cars mount the kerb by the junction of Louisa Avenue because further up it turns into two lanes.”

Mr Cole said the issue was at its worst during rush hour in the morning from 7am until about 9am and then again in the afternoon.

He is now calling on the council to introduce barriers in the hope it will deter dangerous drivers.

He added: “There are barriers on the other side of the road but they need them on both.

“I don’t know why people do these stupid things but someone will get killed soon if it doesn’t stop.

“I will be putting pressure on Essex County Council to put barriers in to stop this and protect pedestrians.

“You can even see the tyre marks on the kerb where the cars have mounted the pavement.

“It is just crazy, pedestrians are having to stop and give way to drivers.

“I don’t want to have a mother call me to say their child has been injured, or worse, because a driver mounted the kerb.”

Jim Tenoy, 59, from Lower Church Road, in Benfleet said drivers were an issue on that road in particular.

He said: “The traffic can get really intense, especially in the mornings.

“Everyone is always in a rush and that seems to be more important that safety.

“I have seen cars mount the kerb because they can’t seem to wait an extra minute or so.

“It is the part of the road by Aldi - it is not good.

“I don’t know what should happen but something needs to be done quickly.

“Their is a big risk for people walking and there are schools around, you don’t want anything to happen to anyone.”

Ian Grundy, cabinet member for Highways, said: “Drivers mounting the pavement are not only behaving irresponsibly they are breaking the law and are liable to prosecution. Anyone with a concern about local road safety should, bring the matter to the attention of their Essex county councillor.”